FIREFIGHTERS have blasted government pension plans as 'unworkable' and voted strongly in favour of strike action, it has emerged today.

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) members have voted by almost four to one for strike action

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) members have voted by almost four to one (78 per cent) over plans they claim could lead to thousands facing being fired.

The union said planned changed from the Government would put firefighters at greater risk of dismissal as they approach the retirement age of 60.

The FBU added that the plans would also result in an increase in their union members' contributions.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: "We cannot expect large numbers of firefighters in their late-50s to fight fires and rescue families without creating danger to the public and firefighters.

"We have repeatedly raised safety concerns and provided strong evidence to back it up but the government just isn’t listening.

A Green Goddess crew at work in Cambridge during a fire strike in 2002

This result is a clear indication of the anger felt by firefighters

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack

"This result is a clear indication of the anger felt by firefighters. It’s still not too late for common sense to prevail if the government are willing to return to the negotiating table. None of us want a strike, but we cannot compromise on public and firefighter safety."

The FBU decided to ballot their members when after almost two years of negotiations the government set a deadline of July 12 for proposals to be accepted.

The union said figures from the government show thousands of firefighters could face being dismissed without access to a proper pension.

The majority of firefighters pay over 12 per cent of their salary in contributions and further increases are expected to take place next year.

If that occurs it will be the sixth year in a row firefighters have faced an increase in their contributions.